Last week, Brandon Jacobs downplayed his return to starting running back status. Sunday, after rushing for a season-high 87 yards in the Giants’ victory over the Jaguars, Jacobs continued to take his recent promotion over Ahmad Bradshaw in stride.

“In sports, a starter is who goes out there first, and I don’t think all that matters as long as you’re out there and you get your opportunity,” said Jacobs, who had a season-high 14 carries in 26 snaps. “I got the opportunity to go out and have a few more plays than I normally have. It wasn’t anything different as far as preparation because we did everything the same.”

Everything except putting Jacobs on the field for five more plays than Bradshaw received. It was back to the pecking order of the previous two seasons, and it worked out for the Giants Sunday.

Bradshaw had nine rushes for 49 yards and led the Giants with four receptions that picked up 34 yards. Bradshaw’s biggest gain of the day was a 27-yard run on a counter play that set up a field goal.

More importantly, he didn’t fumble.

“It’s just about being careless in the game,” Bradshaw said of his fumbles, “and we did a good job with it today.”

Tom Coughlin was pleased with the rotation and the way D.J. Ware got a few snaps as a third-down back. Ware made a catch for 7 yards on a third-and-4 in the third quarter.

“All three guys really contributed,” Coughlin said.

Bradshaw, who has dealt with lower-leg issues dating back to last season, limped off the field after his final carry of the day. It was a 3-yard rush with 1:25 to play after the Giants had gotten the ball back following Jacksonville’s final drive. It was an unnecessary play, given the Jaguars had only one timeout remaining.

But indications were his injury wasn’t serious. And again, most importantly, he didn’t fumble.

• WR Steve Smith, who suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle in practice earlier this month and has missed the past three games, originally hoped to return for next Sunday’s game against the Redskins. But Smith admitted after Sunday’s game he won’t suit up.

“Unless a miracle happens,” he said.

Giants come from behind for 24-20 win against JaguarsMike Garafolo and Zach Berman discuss the Giants come from behind 24-20 victory against Jaguars as the defense came up big in the 4th quarter with sacks on quarterback David Garrard and a big touchdown by Giants Kevin Boss. (Video by William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

Smith said there’s “still some weakness” in parts of the muscle. His new targeted return date is Dec. 12 against the Vikings in Minnesota.

• Coughlin said he didn’t receive any explanation for why there was no penalty for interference when Jaguars DB Tyron Brackenridge ran into PR Darius Reynaud on a fair catch. He’ll probably get one Monday.

Former NFL referee Johnny Grier, now an officiating supervisor, called the league from the press box to ask for a review of the play. A penalty there would have given the Giants an extra 15 yards to start their drive at their own 27-yard line. They scored on the possession anyway to tie the game, 17-17.

• CB Brian Jackson left the game in the first half with a hand injury. Though he had his hand wrapped afterward, he said X-rays did not reveal any broken bones.